Augusta, GA

Finding Solutions: Volunteers support cancer patients in Augusta

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

Press Room

Finding Solutions: Volunteers support cancer patients in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cancer Support Services helps meet the needs of cancer patients and their families.

They’re centered around healing and creating better outcomes.

On Friday, volunteers met at their facility to support them in what they do by finding solutions to make the journey for cancer patients a little brighter.

Peggy and Mark Suber are from Macon, Ga.

Peggy was diagnosed last November with cancer and has been receiving treatment at the Georgia Cancer Center.

“It’s been great. Really and truly great. I’ve gotten the best care anybody could’ve ever gotten,” said Peggy.

Cancer Support Services is a non-profit organization that provides lodging, transportation, financial assistance and emotional support to cancer patients.

The Subers are staying at their facility while Peggy goes through chemo and radiation.

“It helped me a lot because I couldn’t afford to drive every day back and forth from Macon. We stay here Monday through Friday, and then go home Saturday and Sunday and come back Monday,” said Peggy.

Thanks to donors and volunteers, the services are provided at no cost to patients.

Mark said: “It’s free. You don’t need a healthcare crisis and then a financial crisis because you know some people have been drained of their life savings trying to get treatment.”

Volunteers came out and showed their support for the organization through cleaning and gardening.

This is all a part of United Ways’ Project Serve Day.

Craig Tatum, a volunteer, said: “This is just a way for us to help brighten their day a little bit and clean the place up. It looks good to begin with, but it’s just a way for us to help.”

Volunteers were spread out across the CSRA at different locations. But for Aaron McPhee, serving at Cancer Support Services meant a lot.

“My wife had a brain tumor and many years ago was treated at Augusta University and is in remission, which is very good and went through radiation therapy, but all of these places do a phenomenal job for the community,” said McPhee.

The Subers say they’re thankful for the staff and volunteers and encourage others who need help to get it here.

“I hadn’t met anybody that wasn’t super nice. They’re all caring and that makes a big difference,” said Peggy.

As for Peggy, she has a couple of weeks left of treatment, and things are looking good to where she may not need surgery.

Program helps educate and motivate students and encourages them to get involved in the...

Since January, Cancer Support Services has provided more than 3,000 patients transportation to and from treatment across the CSRA.

And just this week, they provided lodging to 36 people.

They always need volunteers.

You can be a part of their outreach team where they call and check in on patients all over and help with other projects.

To donate or learn more, visit their website.

To receive services, you do have to be referred by a doctor.

Source link

Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

Published

13 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

Source link

Augusta, GA

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

Source link